frank1538

I sure you're glad that this is almost over. Too bad you couldn't get the I-551 stamp. I agree that it would have been nice if the namechecks were conducted while the application was pending, but I'll bet that the files aren't even touched until they reach the top of the pile. I guess initiating the namecheck when the application is first filed just makes too much sense for a bureaucracy.

Welcome to CFL. The mop thing - some of the Chinese women are quite adept at using a mop - to clean the floors, the rug, and sometime your clock. It's probably a bit exaggerated, but the cost of mops is something that most of us men have never had to budget before until now. Dennis is right about public displays of affection. Other than hand holding, you generally don't see that much in China. It's probably best to defer to you lady friend on what's acceptable in her part of the country, but don't take a lack of public affection as a rejection. Just recognize that outward displays are not that common. The "closed door" thing is mostly a personal choice. Others are right about unmarried couples, especially East-West couples staying in the same hotel room. It's technically not allowed, but enforcement takes one of three forms. It's ignored, it's strictly enforced. Or, it's enforced solely for the purpose of extracting money from the man. When Jingwen and I took our first trip together, she was insistent on having separate hotel rooms. The extra cost was nominal, but the appearance was unsuspecting. As far as what happens behind those closed doors, all I can say is that that's between you and your lady friend, but I doubt if you'll find significant differences.

I always like Eric's checklist. It's a bit dated (fees, photos, etc.), but it covers it all. http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3980

Eric should be an inspiration to us all - maybe one.

Discounting the variances among the service centers, some embassies/consulates process family based visas the way it's supposed to be done - say within a month or so. If you really want to be depressed, take a look at: http://www.k1k3.com/list.php The obvious top 10 reasons why Guangzhou takes longer than any other consulate are: 10. We only have one printer, and it doesn't know how to print Chinese. 9. We take 287 holidays each year, not counting snow days. 8. We figured if we made you wait, you'd eventually stop trying. 7. How many times do we have to say this. If Congress would give us enough money, maybe it all wouldn't go to London. 6. We go slow so your SO will have enough time to learn American English (that English English is for the birds). 5. We bought stock in Onesuite and Dynasky. Reason enough? 4. We like to keep our citizens pissed off. It makes for more fun come election time. 3. It's really the Chinese government's fault. They don't like us very much. 2. It's a balance of trade thing. You wouldn't understand. 1. We just don't like you going after Chinese women. What's wrong with American women?

Technically, no. The letter from the employer is supposed to be all that is required, but many people provide the W-2 and provide three years' worth.

DHL is a real stickler on customs duties. The last time I used DHL to send gifts to Jingwen, the package got hung up in customs in Guangzhou. Then the customs duty was almost as much as the declared value (around $200), and DHL simply charged my credit card, without prior approval Got it reversed, but I swore I'd never use DHL again. I've since used USPS and declare "appropriate" values. In my mind, there are two things to consider when declaring a value. First, who's value? The value in the US or the value in China (about 1/10 of the US price)? Second, are the gifts new or used, particularly if the contents have been checked before they're sent.

I'd say the conventional wisdom arrow is pointing up for you. Good luck. I'm also keeping my fingers crossed. My step son's AOS application has also been transferred to SCS (Jingwen and her daughter both received their green cards without an interview). We had to go for updated biometrics for him, but I'm hopeful that he'll be adjusted without an interview - kinda makes sense since he's K-2 and his mom already has her green card. Like you, we gotta renew his EAD while we wait.

Several members, including myself, have had similar problems with getting the P3. According to USCONGUZ, the consulate uses the Chinese address on the I-129F to send the P3, so it might be that this address had a typo or something, but I would not dally. Press GZ to re-send the P3 and fax or otherwise give them the proper address in Chinese. The sooner you get the P3 completed and returned, the better.

You're getting close. Just remember that IV applicants must have all the required vaccinations or an indication from the panel physician that the vaccination is not medically appropriate. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html

True, but impressive looking, yes? Our chat transcripts were a large portion of documentation.

I also had misplaced a W-2 for one of the years. I simply went over to one of the IRS field offices, filled out a request form for my W-2, provided the identifying information, waited about 10 minutes and got a print out of the W-2. This happened a couple of years ago, so I don't know if the service is still offered.

Congratulations. The wait is over. Time to celebrate.

Jingwen and I didn't use the phone much at all. Instead, we relied on yahoo chats, so she didn't have any telephone records other than a few one off calls - didn't seem to bother the VO in the least.

Well, that's a pisser. I've never heard of a "detailed review" although I assume it's done from time to time. I guess the closest I've encountered is a visit by the FBI: http://candleforlove.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3733

Welcome her to America when she wakes up. Best wishes for a happy life together,

So much to do, so little time. Sorry, I'm

Congratulations and welcome to America, Grace.

That's more than a baby step. Turn it around quickly and get a place in line.

Her status does not change upon marriage. Her status technically changes once you file the I-485. Under http://www.americanlaw.com/unlawfulmemo1.html "Aliens with properly filed applications for adjustment of status under both sections 245(a) and 245(i) of the Act will be considered aliens present in the United States under a period of stay authorized by the Attorney General." Presumably, you're referring to Question 16 of the I-765. If you are filing the I-765 along with the I-485 the category is (c )(9)( ). If you are filing the I-765 for a 90 day EAD prior to filing the I-485, the category is (a)(6)( ). The 90 day EAD is a waste of time and money. File the I-765 along with the I-485 and use (c )(9)( ).

There don't seem to be many alternatives that avoid having to study English, American History, etc. Even if she finished high school in China, applying to an American university will likely require demonstrated proficiency in these area as well as good SAT reading scores. For example, the University of Georgia's admissions policy for regular students requires acedemic credits in English and social studies, and the admissions policy for foreign students requires proficiency in English and a third party evaluation of the foreign acedemic cirriculum to determine if it passes muster. Jingwen's daughter was too old for high school, so we explored GED as an alternative. Here's Georgia's link to its GED program, and you will note that there is testing that covers English, social studies, and writing. http://www.dtae.tec.ga.us/adultlit/ged.html The one nice thing about the GED program is that the classes offered focus almost exclusively on mastering the skills needed to take the test, but the program does require proficiency in English. For all intents and purposes, a GED is as good as a high school diploma when applying to college. We enrolled Jingwen's son in the public school's ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) program which also focuses on those subjects that are a bit unique to the US like American history, etc. and which were not offered in the foreign country but with an understanding that the student is not totally fluent in the English language or may not have had enough formal education in his/her home country. You might want to explore this as an alternative to enrolling your SO's daughter in regular high school classes. We couldn't afford it, so we didn't explore any private school alternatives.

Also, remember that it is this address that the consulate will use in sending out the P3, so in addition to making sure it's in Chinese, make sure it's the right address.

Had to look that one up. http://www.acronymfinder.com/acronym.aspx?...E-943B3AEAC278}

Dan, my guess is that USCIS is getting back at you for making it through the whole process in less than a year.

Dean, I think as long as the I-485 was filed before the I-94's duration lapsed, they continue to be here legally under a "period of stay authorized by the Attorney General." I don't have the link at hand, but if I find it, I'll edit this and post it. I don't think anything else needs to be done. Found the link: http://www.americanlaw.com/unlawfulmemo1.html "Aliens with properly filed applications for adjustment of status under both sections 245(a) and 245(i) of the Act will be considered aliens present in the United States under a period of stay authorized by the Attorney General."